First request - this thread is about the discussion of tray tables. If you wish to discuss the social aspects of passenger size, you aremore than welcome to start a thread over in the Omni forum. I would like to keep this thread civilized. Thank You!

First class seats often have the tray tables in the arm rests, these flip out and over. The problem is, that in many (most?) cases, they don't really go out very far. For the Passenger of Size, this is a bit tricky. I can use the regular seat belt, although not with a lot of slack. However, on many planes I can't open the tray table and lay it flat - it is too close to me. On a few planes in the bulkhead row I have noticed the tables rotate out a tad bit, giving me enough clearance, but I have never encountered this in a non-bulkhead row.

How do other sizeable passengers deal with the in flight meals on flights? Short flights are not an issue - I can eat in the airport. But longer flights really do need a meal. does anyone have a trick for this?

Truly, I think it is great for you. But the OP asked for advice on dining in FC for a large passenger. IMHO, it seemed to be a rather flip comment when he asked for actual advice.

I am so uncomfortable flying, from the minute I sit in the seat I am wanting to get out. My only thought would be to carry a placemat or large napkin in your carry on bag. When the food comes put your briefcase or perhaps a laminated file folder on your lap and pull out your dinner napkin/placemat and enjoy your meal.

I am one who really does not care what people think. I carry myself well and if I found I was uncomfortable with the tray a makeshift that worked for me would be just fine.

Good luck to you!

Could you try balancing the tray on your tummy?

I know exactly what you're talking about--the tray isn't high enough above the seat for me, so my legs push it up, resulting in a sliding effect. I don't have any great advice, but what I do is first, make sure everything in my pockets (especially my wallet) is out of the way of the tray. Second, I'll make sure I'm sitting as straight as possible (in other words, not reclined.) If all else fails, I'll hold on to everything with one hand while eating with the other--a bit uncomfortable, but hey, it's not like I'm not exactly eating a gourmet meal anyway! Hope this helps a little.

Would it be worth carrying on one of those lap desks? I've seen them for sale at the airport (smallish version), and the bucky base would be more stable than a briefcase. I've considered it myself as a more comfortable option than the table for reading and laptop. If they were cheap enough to be disposable I'd do it, but don't want to hassle with yet another piece of "stuff".

probably not the best idea on a moving and sometimes shaking vehicle...especially if your airline is decent and provides a complete tray of food...

would it be easier to stand up, drop the table and then sit down again?

have you ever asked the fa if you can eat your meal elsewhere on the plane? maybe theyll loan you a biz class seat for your meal... you may have a chance if you are flying an airline like singapore or emirates...

my next idea is to try and get a large tupperware container like one that is around the size and shape of a lasagna pan or the larger cube ones... you can transfer the containers for the courses of your meal into it either side by side or stacked if you have a cube style container....that way you can angle your tray a bit and nothing will slide off while you hold the smaller course container (dessert, entree, salad....etc) that you are currently eating...portable table things might not work well...

basically, use the tupperware like a tray with higher walls on the side. that way you can rest it on your knees safely while handling the course that you are eating... if you have a meal option, take the ones that are easy to eat with just a fork....rice n curry, pasta, paella. stick to wine if they have it in little bottles...or bring an empty sporting bottle...one with a wide easy to fill mouth, fas wont refuse if its easy to fill, just take off the cover/straw thing and pass the main part over...then you can stash it in your seat pocket or hold between your knees...

cup-straws work well if you can find any color besides these http://image.orientaltrading.com/otcimg/26_2066.jpg

A person of more size than I ought to have, I find the armrest tables (even in DL Business Elite) a little uncomfortable and awkward.

But then, living in a culture which adopted napkins concurrently with the move to short sleeve shirts, I have no qualms about carrying along or asking for a "big'un" (the kind DL puts beneath the food tray) to tuck into my neck and under the edge of the tray as a debris trap.

Then there's the motto of the experienced traveler: "Chose a color for flying wear upon which the stains of red wine, pomodori, ketchup and raspberries are invisible, because if your bag is lost you may have to wear the same shirt tomorrow!"

NW's Business Class seats I usually just angle the tray. You have the luxury for that. But other seats? Not a chance. I hate those.

I recline the seat very slightly, just enough to allow me to sit up as straight as possible. On most AA planes. this allows the tray to fold out flat, although it remain at an angle (but sufficient to hold the food tray steadily).

Tried that once & got barked at by a BA FA for reclining my seat, despite the fact that other px in front of me had dome exactly the same thing & didn't receive the same treatment.